Why I’m Running: ‘Losing her has changed me forever’
"The day my mom left I promised myself I would never stop saying her name, sharing her story."
In our “Why I’m Running” series, Boston Marathon athletes share what’s inspiring them to make the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston.
Name: Sarah Burke
Age: 24
From: Braintree
I am running this years 129th Boston Marathon in memory of my mom, Evanne Burke. I am running apart of the incredible organization called the Ellie Fund. This will be my second year running for team Ellie. Last year, I ran my second Boston Marathon (first Boston Marathon was in 2022) for the Ellie Fund (first time running for them last year). I proudly can say that I raised over $27,000 last year, all of which was donated to provide services to breast cancer patients. Important services like covered child care, pre-made delivered meals, giftcards for gas, local grocery stores, and more. The Ellie Funds purpose is to support breast cancer patients to relieve financial burden from endless hospital bills, to provide hope when the patients who life is crashing.
My mom, Evanne, passed away from breast cancer Mother’s Day weekend in 2012. She was only 44 years old, I was only 12. Losing her has changed me forever. My family and I watched our best friend suffer and be taken away from the worst ever possible, cancer. She was first was diagnosed in 2008 and fought a hell of a fight.
One of my proudest moments in life actually happened when I was chosen to have my story be featured through Boston.com for last year’s Boston Marathon. My bib read “Running In Honor Of My Mom.” The reason why I am choosing to share my story again with all of you and with the world is because the day my mom left I promised myself I would never stop saying her name, sharing her story. I choose to give back to an incredible organization like the Ellie Fund because they once not only helped my mom, but also my family. My dad was a working father of two pre-teen girls and somehow never missed doctors appointment with my mom. Financially slammed with hospital bills, the Ellie Fund provided my parents a sense of relief with gift cards to Stop and Shop. I am proud to fundraise for an organization like the Ellie Fund. As I say this frequently, there should be more Ellie Funds in this world.
The Ellie Fund is made up of intelligent, passionate, and selfless individuals. They give me hope. No matter how many miles I run, or how many dollars I fundraise cannot get me my mom back. Though to know that I will never let this world forget about her for as long as live helps with the pain. I have hopes that my message will reach sons and daughters who are in similar shoes like myself. To let me be their living proof that beauty, grace and great strength can come after dark and tragic times.
Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
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